Guwahati, August 12: Northeast United FC showcased an impressive performance on Tuesday, defeating FC1 2-1 in their final Group F match of the 135th Durand Cup, thus securing a place in the quarter-finals.
The match, held at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, saw Parthib Gogoi score twice, once in each half, while Alayeddin Azrai added a third goal for Northeast United. FC1’s sole goal came from Mohammad Ilyas.
The ‘Highlanders’ finished their group stage campaign with a perfect record of three wins, emerging as the winners of Group F. In contrast, FC1 concluded their inaugural Durand Cup campaign with just three points from three matches.
In the opening seven minutes, FC1 was awarded a penalty. Musa Ahmed Qureshi took the spot-kick, but Northeast’s debutant Mohanraj made a stunning save, diving to his left to keep the score level.
Northeast United FC quickly capitalized on this miss, taking the lead just two minutes later. Antonio Moyano set up Jithin MS, who cleverly maneuvered between two defenders to deliver a low cross into the penalty area. Parthib Sundar Gogoi arrived at the back post unmarked to slot the ball into the net, giving the ‘Highlanders’ an early advantage.
For the first 25 minutes, FC1 maintained more possession. They earned four corner kicks but lacked the quality needed to challenge Northeast’s goalkeeper Mohanraj effectively.
Northeast United FC maintained a disciplined mid-block and compactness during ball possession, making it difficult for FC1 to launch attacks from the center of the pitch. Instead, the Jammu and Kashmir team attempted to exploit spaces on the right flank, creating opportunities from wide areas. However, they failed to capitalize on crosses due to a lack of players in the box, allowing the Highlanders to hold onto their one-goal lead until halftime.
Just nine minutes into the second half, the home team doubled their lead when Parthib Gogoi scored his second goal of the day. Moyano delivered a dangerous free-kick into the crowded area, and Eneko Satrustegui headed the ball into the mix, where Parthib reacted quickly to control the ball and finish past the goalkeeper.
The Highlanders increased the tempo of their attacks, and substitute Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia came close to scoring another goal shortly after. Jithin MS delivered a great cross into the penalty area, but Lalrinzuala failed to connect properly, sending the ball out for a goal kick.
Lalrinzuala remained central to the Highlanders’ attacking moves. After receiving a pass from fellow substitute Alayeddin Azrai, he forced FC1’s goalkeeper Aftab Ashraf into a save during a swift counter-attack. Moments later, Azrai squandered a golden opportunity, failing to score into an empty net despite Ashraf’s inability to catch the cross. The FC1 goalkeeper redeemed himself shortly after by saving a shot from Azrai’s left foot.
FC1 struggled to withstand the Highlanders’ relentless pressure, leading to a third goal. Parthib Sundar Gogoi played a precise through ball to Alayeddin Azrai, who chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper into the net. This marked Azrai’s sixth goal of the tournament.
In the 71st minute, FC1 stunned Northeast United FC with a sudden goal, taking advantage of a slight defensive lapse. Musa Ahmed Qureshi delivered a through ball to Mohammad Ilyas, who timed his run perfectly to stay onside. As Northeast’s defense relaxed, Ilyas controlled the ball and calmly slotted it between the goalkeeper’s legs to score.
Northeast continued to create opportunities in FC1’s half. With new players coming on, they maintained control in midfield, leaving FC1 with little chance to mount a comeback. Lalrinzuala and Azrai had chances to extend the lead, but they failed to convert. Northeast United played out the remainder of the match comfortably, securing their victory and a spot in the quarter-finals, continuing their winning streak in the Durand Cup.
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